Is The Free World Doing All It Can In Ukraine? — Letters that should have been in the new york times

3.20.22

To the editor:

I find little comfort in Maureen Dowd's opinion that 'No matter what happens in Ukraine, Putin will be a loser with no moral stature and Zelensky will have towering moral stature.' (3.20.22, Putin chokes on a 'midge' named Zelensky). While I agree with Dowd's sentiment, when she says 'no matter what happens...,' it gives me pause. War crimes are being committed. Millions of people are being displaced. Thousands of innocent lives lost. Cities reduced to rubble. We are witnessing incalculable loss perpetrated by a 'loser.'

I understand there is a balancing act between coming to Ukraine's defense and provoking an escalation of violence. Yet millions of Ukrainian lives hang in the balance amidst an unfolding tragedy that lacks moral ambiguity. I cannot help but wonder if the West's caution is excessive caution; if cowering has prevented the West from joining Zelensky and more forcefully displaying its towering moral stature in taking more decisive action.

Respectfully submitted

Larry S Sandberg